Botany Bay, in New South Wales. Entrance of Endeavour River, in New South Wales.

Rare engraved map from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s first voyage. All other later copies made of this image by other publishers were unauthorised, usually smaller and inferior in quality.

Pair of maps of Botany Bay and Endeavour River, from Cook’s first voyage.

Botany Bay

Cook discovered the bay on 28th April 1770 and explored the area until 6 May 1770.

‘…at day-break we discovered a bay, which seemed to be well sheltered from all winds, and into which therefore I determined to go with the ship….The Indians who had not followed the boat, seeing the ship approach, used many threatening gestures, and brandished their weapons..’ Cook Journals I, 3, p.490-491.

Cook named the bay on account of ‘The great quantity of plants which Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander collected in this place induced me to give it the name of BOTANY BAY.’ Cook Journals I, 3, p.504.

Endeavour River

The first map of Endeavour River where the Endeavour was careened for repairs after the ship hit a reef on its passage through the Great Barrier Reef which Cook named the Labyrinth.

‘In the morning of the 17th, though the wind was still fresh, we ventured to weigh, and push in for the harbour; but in doing this we twice run the ship aground..’ Cook Journals I, 3, 556

‘I sent also some of the young gentleman to take a plan of the harbour, and went myself upon a hill, which lies over the fourth point, to take a view of the sea.’ Cook Journals I, 3, 565

References; Andrew (Hakluyt Society) 1.278A, ill.p.277 & 1.306A ill.p.307, Beddie 860 p.159-160, Tooley 326, p.45

From Hawkesworth, An Account of the Voyages Undertaken by the Order of His Present Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere,..